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Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 11 (CCL11) is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family that is also known as eotaxin. CCL11 selectively recruits eosinophils by inducing their chemotaxis, and therefore, is implicated in allergic responses. The effects of CCL11 are mediated by its binding to a G-protein-linked receptor known as a chemokine receptor. Chemokine receptors for which CCL11 is a ligand include CCR2, CCR3 and CCR5. The gene for human CCL11 (scya11) is encoded on three exons and is located on chromosome 17.

ACE-2 (Angiotensin converting enzyme 2) an enzyme bound to cell membranes in various organs such as intestines arteries , lungs, heart & kidney. ACE2 an entry receptor of SARS coronaviruses as well as SARS-CoV-2,.The coronavirus spike (S) glycoprotein is a class I viral fusion antigen located on the external envelope of the virion that takes part in a critical part in viral infection by identifying host cell receptors and facilitating fusion of the viral and cellular membranes. 2 main domains in coronavirus S1 have been recognized, the N-terminal domain and C-terminal domain. One or the other and/or both S1 domains function as a receptor-binding domain. SARS-CoV + MERS-CoV equally use C-domain to attach their receptors.ACE2 is a type I transmembrane antigen with an extracellular N-terminal domain having the catalytic site and an intracellular C-terminal tail. ACE2 obtains a signal peptide, a transmembrane domain, and a single metalloproteinase active site containing an HEXXH zinc-binding domain. ACE-2 plays a role as a mono-carboxypeptidase which degrades Ang I to produce the nonapeptide Ang 1–9 and Ang II to create the heptapeptide Ang 1–7.

S100A3 is part of S100 family of proteins containing 2 EF-hand calcium-binding motifs. S100 proteins are localized in the cytoplasm/nucleus of a broad range of cells, and takes part in the regulation of several cellular processes such as cell cycle progression and differentiation. S100A3 has the largest number of cysteines of all S100 proteins. S100A3 has high affinity for Zinc, and is widely expressed in human hair cuticle.

CST6 belongs to the type 2 cystatin family. Unlike other family members that act as active cysteine protease inhibitors, CST6 restrain the inhibition of cathepsin B but is not active against cathepsin C. CST6 are secretable proteins that influence osteogenesis and bone resorption, regulation of the hepatocyte growth factor receptors, and the response to systemic inflammation.

Adiponectin is a recently discovered 244 amino acid protein, the product of the apM1 gene, which is physiologically active and specifically and highly expressed in adipose cells (Adipokine). The protein belongs to the soluble defense collagen super family; it has a collagen-like domain structurally homologous with collagen VIII and X and complement factor C1q-like globular domain. APM-1 forms homotrimers, which are the building blocks for higher order complexes found circulating in serum.

ARG2 participates in the regulation of extra-urea cycle arginine metabolism and also in down-regulation of nitric oxide synthesis. Extrahepatic arginase functions to regulate L-arginine bioavailability to NO synthase. Since NO synthase is found in the penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle, the clitoral corpus cavernosum and the vagina, ARG2 takes part in both male and female sexual arousal and therefore a potential target for the treatment of male and female sexual arousal disorders.

Interleukin-22 (IL-22), also known as IL-10-related T cell-derived inducible factor (IL-TIF) was initially identified as a gene induced by IL-9 in mouse T cells and mast cells. Mouse IL-22 cDNA encodes a 179 amino acid residue protein with a putative 33 amino acids signal peptide that is cleaved to generate a 147 aa mature protein that shares approximately 79% and 22% aa sequence identity with human IL-22 and IL-10, respectively. IL-22 has been shown to activate STAT-1 and STAT-3 in several hepatoma cell lines and upregulate the production of acute phase proteins. IL-22 is produced by normal mouse T cells upon Con A activation. Mouse IL-22 expression is also induced in various organs upon lipopolysaccharide injection, suggesting that IL-22 may be involved in inflammatory responses. The functional IL-22 receptor complex consists of two receptor subunits, IL-22R (previously an orphan receptor named CRF2-9) and IL-10R? (previously known as CRF2-4), belonging to the class II cytokine receptor family.

Mouse Complement 5a (C5a) is a glycoprotein which is a member of a family of structurally and functionally related proteins known as anaphylatoxins. C5a is a 77 a.a. peptide created by the C5a convertase proteolytic cleavage of C5 ? chain in the classical and alternative complement pathway (C4b2a3b, C3bBb3b). The mouse C5a has four ? helices and three intrachain disulfide bonds which form a triple loop structure. C5a functions through G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) (C5aR/CD88). C5a is a effective chemoattractant and anaphylatoxin which functions on all classes of leukocytes and on many other cell types including endothelial, smooth muscle, kidney, liver, and neural cells. Mouse C5a also mediates IL-8 release from bronchial epithelial cells. Furthermore, it triggers an oxidative surge in macrophages and neutrophils, causing the release of histamine in basophils and mast cells. The C5a anaphylatoxin activity on hepatocytes results indirectly from interaction with nonparenchymal cell via prostanoid secretion.

FGF8 is part of the fibroblast growth factor family. FGF family members have wide mitogenic and cell survival activities, and participate in a variety of biological processes, including embryonic development, cell growth, morphogenesis, tissue repair, tumor growth and invasion. FGF8 supports androgen and anchorage independent growth of mammary tumor cells. FGF8 over expression increases tumor growth and angiogensis. The adult expression of FGF-8 gene is restricted to testes and ovaries. FGF8 functions as an embryonic epithelial factor. FGF8 takes part in midbrain and limb development, organogenesis, embryo gastrulation and left-right axis determination.

Follistatin is a single-chain gonadal protein that specifically inhibits follicle-stimulating hormone release. The single FST gene encodes two isoforms, FST317 and FST344 containing 317 and 344 amino acids respectively, resulting from alternative splicing of the precursor mRNA. In a study in which 37 candidate genes were tested for linkage and association with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hyperandrogenemia in 150 families, evidence was found for linkage between PCOS and follistatin. Follistatin binds directly to activin and functions as an activin antagonist. specific inhibitor of the biosynthesis and secretion of pituitary follicle stimulating hormone (fsh).

General Transcription Factor IIA, 1 (GTF2A1) in a complex along with TBP mediates transcriptional activity. GTF2A1 is a part of the transcription machinery of RNA polymerase II and is also participates in transcriptional activation.

Natriuretic Peptide Precursor B acts as a cardiac hormone with a variety of biological actions including natriuresis, diuresis, vasorelaxation, and inhibition of renin and aldosterone secretion. It is thought to play a key role in cardiovascular homeostasis. Helps restore the body's salt and water balance. Improves heart function.

Cardiotrophin 1 (CT-1) is a 201 amino acid member of the interleukin-6 superfamily. It was identified by its ability to induce hypertrophic response in cardiac myocytes. CT-1 mRNA levels were found both in cardiac myocytes and in cardiac nonmyocytes. CT 1 was also detected in abundance in normal adult human lung and was expressed in both fetal and adult airway smooth muscle cells. CT 1 activates gp130 dependent signaling and stimulates the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway to transduce hypertrophic and cytoprotective signals in cardiac myocytes.
CT 1 has also a neurotrophic function. CTF1 deficiency causes increased motoneuron cell death in spinal cord and brainstem nuclei of mice during a period between embryonic day 14 and the first postnatal week. Moreover, CT-1 is a hepatocyte survival factor that efficiently reduces hepatocellular damage in animal models of acute liver injury. Cardiotrophin 1 expression is augmented after hypoxic stimulation and it can protect cardiac cells when added either prior to simulated ischaemia or at the time of reoxygenation following simulated ischaemia. Cardiotrophin 1 can induce expression of the protective heat shock proteins (hsps) in cardiac cells.
Cardiotrophin-1 increased ventricular expression of ANP, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and angiotensinogen mRNA.
Cardiophin 1 levels were significantly elevated in patients with heart failure, patients with dilatative cardiomyopathy, moderate/severe mitral regurgitation, stable and unstable angina and after acute myocardial infarction.

Interleukin-1b is produced by activated macrophages, IL-1B stimulates thymocyte proliferation by inducing il-2 release, b-cell maturation and proliferation, and fibroblast growth factor activity. IL1B proteins are involved in the inflammatory response, being identified as endogenous pyrogens, and are reported to stimulate the release of prostaglandin from synovial cells.

IL-21 is produced by CD4+ T cells in response to antigenic stimulation. Its action enhances antigen-specific responses of immune cells. The biological effects of IL-21 include induction of differentiation of T-cells-stimulated B-cells into plasma cells and memory B-cells, stimulation (in conjuction) with IL-4 of IgG production, and induction of apoptotic effects in naive B-cells and stimulated B-cells in the absence of T-cell signaling. Additionally, IL-21 promotes the anti-tumor activity of CD8+ T-cells and NK cells. IL-21 exerts its effect through binding to a specific type I cytokine receptor, IL-21R, which also contains the gamma chain (°C) found in other cytokine receptors including IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9 and IL-15. The IL-21/IL-21R interaction triggers a cascade of events which includes activation of the tyrosine kinases JAK1 and JAK3, followed by activation of the transcription factors STAT1 and STAT3.

IL15RA, also known as Interleukin 15 Receptor Alpha, is a high-affinity receptor for interleukin-15. IL15RA plays a role as a heterotrimer with the IL-2 receptor beta and gamma subunits to commence signal transduction. IL15/IL15R alpha complexes can transmit reverse signaling which promotes cellular adhesion, tyrosine phosphorylation of intracellular proteins, as well as cytokine secretion by the IL‑15/IL15R alpha expressing cells.

The IL1RL1 gene is a member of the IL-1 receptor family, encoding a transmembrane protein with a structure similar to IL-1R1. IL1RL1 is a receptor for interleukin-33, its stimulation recruits MYD88, IRAK1, IRAK4, and TRAF6, followed by phosphorylation of MAPK3/ERK1 and/or MAPK1/ERK2, MAPK14, and MAPK8. IL1RL1 may possibly be involved in helper T-cell function. IL1RL1 is highly expressed in kidney, lung, placenta, stomach, skeletal muscle, colon and small intestine.
A soluble form of the IL1RL1 is produced from the same gene by alternative splicing and was shown to be expressed in several cell types including fibroblasts and mast cells. Soluble IL1RL1 also acts as a negative regulator of Th2 cytokine production and high levels have been reported in several disease states and conditions including asthma, sepsis and myocardial infarction.
Analysis of the similar gene in mouse suggested that the IL1RL1 receptor can be induced by proinflammatory stimuli, and may be involved in the function of helper T cells.

Interleukin-5 receptor subunit alpha (Il5ra) regulates the development and function of eosinophils. The Il5ra protein is a therapeutic target for hypereosinophilic diseases including allergic inflammations and asthma. Oct2 enhances antibody-secreting cell differentiation via regulation of Il5ra chain expression on activated B cells.

The IL-6 receptor complex is composed of two membrane glycoproteins: the low affinity receptor and the signaltransducing component. The soluble form of IL6R is found in the urine of healthy adult humans and the serum of HIV positive individuals, as well as in the cell culture supernatants of stimulated PBMC’s. This soluble form of IL6R results from either proteolytic cleavage from the membrane, or an isoform derived splice variant.

Tropomodulin 3 (TMOD3) is a member of the tropomodulin family. TMOD3 prevents the elongation and depolymerization of the actin filaments at the pointed end. Actin cytoskeleton regulation by filament capping proteins is essential to many dynamic cellular functions. TMOD3 functions as a negative regulator of cell migration; nevertheless the processes behind its cellular functions are unknown. The Tmod/TM complex influences the formation of the short actin protofilament, which sequentially outlines the geometry of the membrane skeleton.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein present in fetal digestive-tract tissues; it’s involved in cell adhesion. The production of CEA stops before birth. CEA is called tumor marker since its elevated levels are found in the serum from individuals with colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, lung and breast carcinomas and in heavy smokers.
There are also benign conditions that elevate CEA levels such as smoking, infection, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, and some benign tumors (in the equivalent organs which have cancers with elevated CEA). Typically, higher levels of CEA are found in men, smokers, and older individuals.
The presence of CEA assists in screening, in evaluating recurrent or disseminated disease, and in determining the success of surgical removal of malignant tumors.
CEA levels can be used as indicators of treatment success. The normal values range from 0.0 to 2.5 ng/ml of serum (from blood), in non-smokers, a greater amount than that may be suggestive of cancer. Levels above 20 ng/ml before treatment are associated with cancer which has already metastasized. Benign conditions do not usually cause a CEA increase over 10 ng/ml.
The high levels of CEA should return to normal after successful therapy, however if during follow up there’s an elevation in CEA levels it indicates a recurrence of tumor.
Carcinoembryonic antigen family belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily; it consists of 29 genes, 18 of which are normally expressed.

CNTF is a polypeptide hormone whose actions appear to be restricted to the nervous system where it promotes neurotransmitter synthesis and neurite outgrowth in certain neuronal populations. The protein is a potent survival factor for neurons and oligodendrocytes and may be relevant in reducing tissue destruction during inflammatory attacks. A mutation in this gene, which results in aberrant splicing, leads to ciliary neurotrophic factor deficiency, but this phenotype is not causally related to neurologic disease. In addition to the predominant monocistronic transcript originating from this locus, the gene is also co-transcribed with the upstream ZFP91 gene. Co-transcription from the two loci results in a transcript that contains a complete coding region for the zinc finger protein but lacks a complete coding region for ciliary neurotrophic factor.
CNTF is a survival factor for various neuronal cell types. Seems to prevent the degeneration of motor axons after axotomy.